(And while we’re at it…what are Big Data, Business Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and IoT?)

To the newly initiated, introducing one’s self to the field data analytics can be intimidating. Navigating through a dizzying array of terms can be a difficult and tedious task. In this post, we bring to you a brief laymen’s glossary to many of the new words and phrases that are sure to become a part of your everyday vocabulary.

Data Analytics – In its most basic form, Data Analytics refers to the practice of using data to draw conclusions that may help inform a decision or a future business practice. One type of data analytics,  Predictive Analytics, refers to the practice of using data collected about past events to predict the likelihood of various possible future events. For example, employers may use predictive analytics to predict who is most likely to leave their organization in the future based on an analysis of the characteristics of those who have left their organization in the past. Still confused? Watch Moneyball® –  it’s a fantastic movie.

Big Data – Perhaps the term that is thrown around with most abandon, Big Data refers to massive collections of data that, due almost entirely to their volume, require special methods and technologies to manage and analyze them.  This term is often used generically to describe large or complex data sets.

Business Intelligence – Generally refers to the tools and methods used by an organization to analyze data from various sources for the purposes of optimizing business decisions. For example, a company may analyze the nature and source of its revenue stream to better inform sales strategies.

Artificial Intelligence  – Phrase often used to describe complex processes or systems that are capable of performing tasks that are typically thought of as requiring human intervention or intelligence. An example includes speech recognition. Don’t believe us? Ask Siri® or Alexa®.

Data Science –A broad and highly interdisciplinary field of scientific inquiry that relies heavily on quantitative tools and methodologies to better understand the natural world. Data scientists are practitioners of data science, and are typically employed by organizations and companies, like Jackson Lewis, wishing to leverage available data to help manage process more efficiently, assist in decision-making, develop new products powered by complex statistical algorithms, or to develop entirely new algorithms and ideas.

IoT, or the Internet of Things – A shorthand way of referring to the interconnectivity of numerous devices over the internet. It may include computers, cell phones, or any other device that today may be connected to the internet, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and other household appliances. Have you ever remotely set your house alarm from your smart phone?  Congratulations, you have experience with IoT!

Data Intelligencer Reporter – An insightful new blog about workplace data analytics brought to you by Jackson Lewis’ Data Analytics Group.

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Photo of Eric J. Felsberg Eric J. Felsberg

Eric J. Felsberg is a Principal in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. and the National Director of JL Data Analytics Group.

As the National Director of JL Data Analytics Group, Mr. Felsberg leads a team of multi-disciplinary lawyers…

Eric J. Felsberg is a Principal in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. and the National Director of JL Data Analytics Group.

As the National Director of JL Data Analytics Group, Mr. Felsberg leads a team of multi-disciplinary lawyers, statisticians, data scientists, and analysts with decades of experience managing the interplay of data analytics and the law. Under Mr. Felsberg’s leadership, the Data Analytics Group applies proprietary algorithms and state-of-the-art modeling techniques to help employers evaluate risk and drive legal strategy. In addition to other services, the team offers talent analytics for recruitment, workforce management and equity and policy assessments through predictive modeling, partners with employers in the design of data-driven solutions that comply with applicable workplace law, manages and synthesizes large data sets from myriad sources into analyzable formats, provides compliance assessment and litigation support services including damage calculations, risk assessments, and selection decision analyses, and offers strategic labor relations assistance including determination of long term costs of collective bargaining agreements, review of compliance with collectively bargained compensation plans and assessment of the efficacy of training programs. The JL Data Analytics Group designs its service delivery models to maximize the protections afforded by the attorney-client and other privileges.

Mr. Felsberg also provides training and daily counsel to employers in various industries on day-to-day employment issues and the range of federal, state, and local affirmative action compliance obligations. Mr. Felsberg works closely with employers to prepare affirmative action plans for submission to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) during which he analyzes and investigates personnel selection and compensation systems. Mr. Felsberg has successfully represented employers during OFCCP compliance reviews, OFCCP individual complaint investigations, and in matters involving OFCCP claims of class-based discrimination. He regularly evaluates and counsels employers regarding compensation systems both proactively as well as in response to complaints and enforcement actions.

Mr. Felsberg is an accomplished and recognized speaker on issues of workplace analytics and affirmative action compliance.

While at Hofstra University School of Law, Mr. Felsberg served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Hofstra Labor & Employment Law Journal.